A TEMPORARY river bridge on the A497 near Pwllheli is to be installed after the existing bridge was damaged by a vehicle.

An inspection by Gwynedd council officers confirmed the Grade II listed Pont Bodfel had suffered structural damage and had to be closed to traffic. An eight miles diversion was put in place.

Work to lay a temporary surface from the main road and install the single lane temporary Bailey bridge will get underway as soon as possible and it is expected the road can then be re-opened with a two way traffic light system within the next three weeks. Work to make the structure of Pont Bodfel safe is also underway.

Gwynedd council's highways cabinet member, cllr Gareth Griffith said: "Installing a temporary bridge will be a significant challenge but, weather permitting, we are confident that the work can be completed in the next three weeks. This temporary measure will mean a quicker re-opening of the A497.”

Steffan Jones, head of highways added: "Initial technical assessments indicate Pont Bodfel has suffered significant structural damage to one of the pillars.

"As this is a Grade Il three span masonry bridge, which dates back to the early 19th century, repairing Pont Bodfel will be a major logistical challenge.

"In the meantime, the installation of a temporary bridge will allow the A497 to be reopened as soon as possible.”